Members of the Diocese’s English, Spanish, Filipino and Vietnamese Cursillo communities were present for the Mass. Seven priests and two deacons also came to support the movement.
As they entered the church, they were greeted with the phrase, “De Colores,” (“many colors”) a common greeting among Cursillistas inspired by their song. Members of the different cultural groups took part in the Mass, participating as readers, gift bearers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, and choir members.
In his homily, Bishop del Riego recalled the temptations of Christians to be mediocre and do only the minimum with it comes to their faith. In response, he invited the congregation to rise above the temptations and jeers from peers and stay true to the mission of the Church and to God’s plan.
“God calls us to share, to witness and to do what we can to reach the environment,” Bishop del Riego said. “It is not a question of living your faith in the church, but living your faith in the world.”
The Cursillistas were encouraged to read Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium. Bishop del Riego said the values and ideas expressed in the Exhortation are very much in line with the spirituality of a Cursillista.
“The mission of a Christian is not only to have a close relationship with Christ, but we also have to be more enthusiastic in the exercise of our mission and ministry,” Bishop del Riego said.
At the end of the Mass, Bishop del Riego commissioned the newest members of the Cursillo Movement. About 20 individuals stood before the altar and received a blessing from Bishop del Riego. The others gathered also renewed their commitment to being witnesses to the Gospel.